Rajshahi Diocese Triumphs in Jubilee Year Football Tournament in Dhaka

The spirit of sportsmanship and faith came alive on November 14 at St. Mary’s Cathedral premises in Ramna, Dhaka, as the Jubilee Year and Archbishop Moses Memorial Football Tournament 2025 brought together Catholic youth from across Bangladesh. Organized by the Episcopal Commission for Youth (EC-Y), the event carried the inspiring theme: “Healthy Entertainment, On the Path to a Pure Life.”

Eight diocesan teams competed fiercely for the title, showcasing talent and unity. After an intense day of matches, Rajshahi Diocese emerged as champions, while Khulna Diocese secured the runner-up position.

“This is a very good initiative,” said Captain Duke Murum of Rajshahi Diocese, brimming with pride after lifting the trophy. “Through this game, as we ourselves are entertained, others also enjoy pure entertainment. We are very happy to be champions. I hope this event is held every year.” Murum, a passionate footballer from Rajshahi Cathedral parish, regularly plays in local tournaments and dreams of seeing Catholic youth shine on bigger platforms.

His teammate Proshanto Biswas echoed the sentiment: “To be honest, we youth consider any sport, including football, as entertainment. Talented players emerge through organizing such tournaments.” He hopes the Church will continue to create opportunities for young athletes.

Among the spectators was Murel Gomes, a celebrated Catholic sportswoman and former captain of Bangladesh’s national women’s football team. Gomes, who received the National Sports Award in 2022, praised the initiative: “I am amazed that we have so many good players in our Christian community. If they try, I believe they will get a chance to play football at the national level as well.” She emphasized the transformative power of sports: “The more sports can be organized for the youth, the more they will stay away from drug addiction and harmful habits. I propose organizing such events at the parish level in every diocese.”

The award ceremony was graced by Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, who handed over trophies and medals. Commending the organizers, he said, “This is the first time such a football tournament has been organized by EC-Y. Games like this help keep youth away from excessive use of digital devices, which often destroy their immense potential. Playing football is healthy and pure entertainment. I applaud this initiative.”

Reflecting on the theme, Archbishop D’Cruze added, “When we have healthy entertainment, our lives become pure and strong. I hope the youth grow day by day, develop beautifully, and lead society.”

The tournament was inaugurated by Bishop Subroto B. Gomes, Chairman of EC-Y and Auxiliary Bishop of Dhaka. Addressing the players, he said, “There are entertainments that destroy life, and there are entertainments like football or cricket that strengthen life. We should choose those that help us build our lives.”

The event also honored the memory of Archbishop Moses M. Costa, CSC, a visionary leader who chaired the Youth Commission for 12 years. Fr. Bikash James Rebeiro, CSC, Secretary of EC-Y, noted, “Archbishop Moses implemented many groundbreaking plans for youth formation. We remember his contribution with respect, so this tournament bears his name.”

The Jubilee Year theme added a spiritual dimension to the day. While not all youth could join the Vatican pilgrimage, the tournament offered them joy and a sense of belonging. EC-Y’s mission remains clear: to nurture faith, build responsible citizens, and free youth from the slavery of consumerism and materialism, creating a society of brotherhood through non-violent principles.

As the sun set over St. Mary’s Cathedral, cheers and laughter echoed, a testament to the power of sports in shaping lives and strengthening faith.